Sustainable Leadership: Engaging Students to Create Lasting Change on Campus

Kristin Skarie

Abstract

College student leaders in the United States engage in programming, governance, social, athletic, and many other co-curricular opportunities during their time on campus. Throughout the leadership process in these activities, students complement their academic learning, gain experience, and connect with communities within and beyond their campus borders. Often without realizing it, student leaders are participating in the creation of programs, processes, and cultures that have the potential to implement lasting change and override the short-term impact of a one-time event. This article proposes the application of sustainability principles to leadership to increase students’ capacity for making sustainable change beyond their presence or involvement.